At a fraction of the cost of other full-color 3D printing alternatives, the clip serves as a teaser to what is possible with material know how and a lot of ingenuity.

Winners of the 3D Pioneers Challenge announced

The second edition of 3D printing design competition 3DPC has celebrated the work of seven designers from across the globe.

In addition to getting their designs noticed by industry partners including Stratasys and Autodesk, each of the winners received a share of €15,000 ($17,800) and exclusive prizes from MakerBot and designreport.

Winning entries include a metal 3D printed skateboard truck by Philipp Manger, and the Palmyra Rebuilt project from Eric Geboers and Matteo Baldassari.

The Joint Mitnor cave in Devon, England, is set to reopen August 12 2017.

Ransacked by thieves in 2015, the site has been refurbished with 3D printed replicas of the fossils it used to contain. The models were created using CT scanning techniques and gypsum casting, so they look and feel faithful to the original remains.

3D printed fossil replicas in Joint Mitnor. Photo by Charlie Bird

3Diligent releases Complete Guide to Metal 3D Printing

Digital manufacturing service 3Diligent has released a 13 page report detailing leading metal additive manufacturing technologies.

Featuring the likes of Boeing and GE the document provides 3Diligent’s perceived overview of the “State of Professional and Industrial 3D Printing”.

ARMI liquid silicone 3D printing used to model cancer cells

In an interview with Fox News, associate professor Thomas Angelini has revealed new developments in 3D printing research at the University of Florida.

There were several 3D printing developments that may have passed you by this week, including a technological partnership between Russia and Germany, and a rebranding for Swedish manufacturer Arcam. Here’s a roundup of these and other stories:

1. Rebranding for Swedish 3D printing company Arcam

Based in Molndal, Sweden, Arcam AB provides a range of metal 3D printing solutions to the manufacturing industry, but its worldwide operations have, to date, been carried out under different names. Arcam EBM in Canada provides electron beam melting 3D printing machinery, Arcam AP&C in Sweden sells metal powders for use in 3D printing, and Arcam DTI in the U.S is a provider of contract manufacturing. As of May 1 the company will be operating under a new branding identity, with its three businesses being unified under the Arcam Group banner.

According to CEO Magnus Rene, ‘’Arcam and the industry have evolved considerably since our original brand more than 20 years ago. Bringing together our offerings… will make it easier for us to efficiently address the market.’’ Arcam AB will also now be endorsed as part of manufacturing giant GE Additive.

CGTech’s latest version of its VERICUT software will be on display at this years rapid + TCT trade fair, which is being held in Pittsburgh, May 9-11. VERICUT is a software solution for virtual simulation of 3D printing additive manufacturing processes. It allows manufacturers to analyze their methods and optimize them accordingly, enabling more accurate laser cladding and material deposition, as well as detecting collisions between the machine and additive part and finding errors, voids, and misplaced material.

VERICUT 8.1 will add the option to simulate integration of different additive methods. Users will be able to virtually experiment with combining 3D printing techniques to find the best hybrid solution for every stage of the manufacturing process. Gene Granata, VERICUT Product Manager, says that this will give customers a competitive edge: “VERICUT’s realistic simulation of the entire hybrid process enables customers to verify the part will be built correctly, without causing damage to the part, machine, or expensive laser equipment.”

3. Russia and Germany co-operate to support new technologies including 3D printed prosthetics

Yuri Stetsenko, the trade representative for Russia in Germany, has announced the potential establishment of a deliberate technological co-operation between the two countries. This will represent a significant improvement in trade relations, which have diminished since the sanctions imposed on Russia in 2014. Before this, however, Germany was a key trade partner for Russia and could be returning to this position in the near future.

The international laser center in Hamburg and the Russian supercomputer in Juelich have already been the focus of several major joint technological projects, and the upcoming years could see these kinds of collaborations on a much more regular basis. Russia is willing to share the advances it has made in cancer diagnosis and treatment with the German medical industry, and in exchange the country could soon be taking advantage of German breakthroughs in 3D printed prosthetic technology. According to Stetsenko, ”The Germans need us, our ‘brains’ and raw materials, and we need their technologies, the organization of labor and money. And, of course, we need a German market, and they need ours.”

Fidget spinners are taking the place of worry stones and stress balls as the latest hand-occupying craze, as people in classrooms, lecture halls, and boardrooms are using them to deal with anxiety or restlessness. They are particularly useful as therapeutical tools for people diagnosed with ADHD, helping them to focus on tasks. CHADD is a non-profit organization that provides education, advocacy and support for individuals diagnosed with the disorder, and a sale of limited edition spinners over at AirWolf3D has just been launched to raise funds for the charity.

Each of the four 3D printed spinners is based on an original design by a child, with the first being named ‘The Zoe’ after its 11 year-old creator. Only 30 of each design will be produced, so buyers will be receiving an incredibly rare item at the same time as contributing to a good cause. Check out the offer at AirWolf3D’ s 3D printing site

5. North Carolina Medical Center using LulzBot Taz 6 3D printer to help with radiation treatment

Oncology doctors at the NCMC have been taking advantage of 3D printing technology to improve their radiation treatment of cancer patients. A 3D printed mold or bolus can be applied to the patient’s body, allowing for better targeted radiation doses and vastly improving the effectiveness of treatment. Before making use of 3D printing, less precise methods involving gauze and tape were used.

The 3D printed bolus is based on a CAT scan which is then converted into a 3D model. Skin cancer patients have benefitted from this technique, and there are plans to extend the use of 3D printing technology to other cancer treatments.

The NCMC was given a LulzBot TAZ 6 3D printer by Loveland-based manufacturer Aleph Objects, Inc and took several months to get to grips with the technology before it went live. The new 3D printing program will soon be rolled out in other locations, such as Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center in Gilbert, Ariz., and the McKee Medical Center in Loveland, Colo. According to Aleph Objects President Harris Kenny, “Providing highly personalized care from a doctor’s desktop is an exciting example of what is possible with 3D printing in healthcare and other fields.”

6. EOS joins 3MF Consortium as founding member

The 3MF Consortium, an industry association created to develop and promote a new full-fidelity file format for 3D printing, today announced that EOS, a global technology leader in industrial 3D printing, has joined at the Founding membership level. EOS is a pioneer in the field of Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS) and a provider of a leading polymer technology.

“EOS Additive Manufacturing (AM) solutions allow manufacturers to shift from traditional tool-based, static manufacturing techniques to generative, flexible, more efficient industrial 3D printing methods,” said Martin Steuer, Business Development Manager at EOS. “The 3MF 3D file format plays an important role in AM by helping to improve the efficiency and productivity of AM solutions while eliminating the issues found with older file formats.”

In today’s 3D Printing News Briefs, we’ll take care of a little business first, then move on to a contest, an upcoming event, and a really cool 3D printed trophy. The Dubai Future Accelerator program finishes up round two, while FIT expands its activities in the US. Kabuku hosts a delegation of German government officials, BeeHex finds a partner for its 3D printed vegan pizza crusts, and Access 3D Services is holding a heartwarming 3D design contest. Finally, Methods Machine Tools will showcase its new automation cell at the rapidly approaching RAPID + TCT, and isodo3D uses 3D printing to recreate a famous trophy.

His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Board of Trustees at the Dubai Future Foundation said at the closing ceremony, “The Dubai Future Accelerators program sets an example and a business model where various sectors – public and private – can come together to draw up scenarios to face the challenges of the future, and benefit from the opportunities to secure sustainable development and prosperity for future generations. The second edition of the program witnessed seismic shifts in the field of future technologies. This reiterates the fact that UAE is now a global hub for exporting advanced technologies and a platform to exchange experience and learn about the latest developments. Furthermore, the initiatives launched today will enhance the program’s reputation as the world’s best platform to connect the private and public sectors to build the future.”

FIT America has already established its own subsidiary, Boston Ceramics LLC, which is set to begin operations at its new facility later this month. The company, which will 3D print high quality and high value ceramic consumer objects, tapped Andrew Jeffrey as president; Jeffrey founded Figulo, which was acquired in 2013 by 3D Systems.

“We are delighted to welcome Ken and Andy to the FIT Management Team and with the establishment of our first factory in the United States,” said Carl Fruth, founder and CEO at FIT AG. “We are expecting a major market in the USA for FIT’s additive manufacturing capabilities and have now established a management team and structure to develop more partnerships with US clients and make further investments.”

The delegation visited a number of Japanese companies in order to gain a better understanding about how digitalization is influencing the Japanese logistics industry. At a reception for the delegation, Kabuku was able to present about the impact of 3D printing on the contract logistics industry, and showcased its mass customization projects for two Japanese automotive manufacturers. The Logistics Alliance Germany also invited Kabuku to speak on a panel, titled “How to Improve Logistics Processes through New Technologies and Digitalization,” in Tokyo.

Food personalization and robotics company BeeHex, which recently moved its R&D operations to Columbus, Ohio, has joined forces with Cali’Flour Foods, a top provider of cauliflower-based pizza crusts and plant-based dessert doughs. In less than a minute, the two 3D printed personalized pizzas, shaped like flowers and based on cauliflower, for a sold-out crowd of 300 at Columbus firm GroundWork, which offers IT services to nonprofit entities. BeeHex CEO Anjan Contractor explained that Cali’Flour, and its plant-based, organic approach to crusts, “represents the type of forward-thinking collaborations we’re looking for.”

“The team at BeeHex combines the authenticity and technological capability that it takes to revolutionize how food is made,” said Cali’Flour founder Amy Lacey. “Anjan, Jordan French, Ben Feltner and Chintan Kanuga are rapidly building out what could be the next major ‘platform play’ in the Internet of Things space in a way that let’s people personalize their foods.”

Lacey also mentioned that the system “flawlessly” printed out several of her company’s doughs, which immediately grabbed the attention of the gathered audience. BeeHex is currently working on several pilot programs for its 3D pizza printers, and is also developing fine-point 3D dessert printers.

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Access 3D Services Hosting 3D Design Contest

If you’re interested in winning a free MakerBot Replicator+ 3D printer, while also working to make a difference in the lives of people with disabilities, just enter the Increasing Independence for People with Disabilities 3D Design Contest, hosted by Access 3D Services and its non-profit parent company, Access Independence. The contest has already begun, and ends on May 31; all applicants must be 18 years of age and a US resident. All entries must be the original (non-patented) design of the contest entrant, be capable of production on an FDM 3D printer, and be for an item that can benefit people living with a disability, whether it’s increasing autonomy, independence, or quality of life, or even addressing physical barriers related to disabilities.

Contest sponsors include Airwolf3D and eSun 3D Filament, and the contest judges will include engineers, 3D printing industry professionals, and people with disabilities. The winners will be announced approximately 60 days after the contest ends; the Grand Prize Winner will receive a MakerBot Replicator+ 3D printer and $200 worth of 1.75 mm PLA+ material from eSun 3D Filament, and the Runner-Up will get a 7Tech 3D Pen and an AirWolf3D 3 mm Filament Gift Set. Download the Official Entry Form to read the full contest rules and restrictions. Once you’ve completed the form, sign it and upload it, along with your original 3D design (.STL or .OBJ formats only); the upload password is contest.

Precision machine tools and 3D printing technology provider Methods Machine Tools Inc. will be attending the RAPID + TCT Show in Pittsburgh next month, and bringing along its breakthrough automation cell solution. The first-of-its-kind cell brings together subtractive processes, robotics, and additive manufacturing to increase 3D manufacturing throughput, and serves to demonstrate the company’s strength “in designing innovative automation solutions for both additive and traditional manufacturing.”

The 20-foot Methods cell will really speed up the production of 3D printed parts and keep costs down, thanks to its post-process machining operations. It includes an in-feeding station for 3D printed products, which carries the parts into a FANUC C600 EDM machine on build plates; the machine then cuts the parts and build plates apart, and a FANUC robot at the next station snaps the plates off of the parts and sends them for a final machining operation, care of a FANUC RoboDrill.

John Lucier, National Automation Manager at Methods Machine Tools, Inc., said, “This automated lights-out manufacturing cell was designed to drastically reduce the total time to complete parts from 3D printing to final post-processing. It can easily quadruple total part throughput while eliminating manual labor.”

The RAPID + TCT show takes place from May 9-11, and Methods Machine Tools Inc. will be showcasing its new cell solution at booth #2525. 3DPrint.com will, of course, be in attendance at the conference.

isodo3D Uses 3D Printing Technology to Recreate Golf Trophy

3D printing services provider isodo3D, based in the UK, was recently approached by the Abu Dhabi Sports Council and IMG Golf with an interesting request: reproduce replicas, using the latest 3D printing and scanning technology, of the famous Falcon Trophy, which is given to the winner of the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship golf tournament (for the associated Pro-Am tournament). In the brief, the company was tasked with making 18 quarter-scale replicas: six for each of the upcoming three tournaments. The company determined that 3D printing the falcon and the golf ball from the trophy, but hand-turning the wooden plinths, would be the most cost effective method of reproduction.

“We were keen to achieve the brief and demonstrate how this technology can be used in this way,” said isodo3D Managing Director John Cousins. “These trophies represent the very best in golf and we knew that whoever won one, would have been outstanding in their field. It was our challenge to produce a trophy befitting of the achievements of the winners and I definitely think we met the criteria.”

isodo3D used the HP 3D Structured Light Scanner Pro S3 to scan the original trophy, and used the data to 3D print a master model, with a little help from the prototyping experts at Malcolm Nicholls Limited and its SLA 3D printing technology. The model was hand-finished and painted, and then used as a soft silicone tooling pattern. Polyurethane castings were made, and then sent for plating, with a vacuum metallization method. The wooden bases were laser engraved with logos and tournament sponsors by L Squared Lasers, and then all 18 trophy replicas were assembled, polished, quality checked, and delivered to Abu Dhabi for the tournament.

While CES 2017 previews and special events have been going on all week, the largest technology trade show in the US didn’t officially open until today – and now that it has, the news floodgates are open. Companies are unveiling new hardware, software, business news, or, in the case of Aleph Objects, creator of the popular LulzBot 3D printers, all of the above. The Colorado 3D printer manufacturer can be counted on to introduce some exciting things at trade shows. Their last major release was the TAZ 6 3D printer, introduced last May at RAPID 2016, and as CES 2017 opens, Aleph and LulzBot haven’t disappointed.

Harris Kenny

First of all, Aleph Objects announced some big changes within the company as Vice President of Marketing Harris Kenny has been promoted to the role of President and CEO, replacing current CEO and founder Jeff Moe, who will remain involved in the company’s daily operations. Kenny joined the company in January of 2014 as Communications Manager, then moved into the position of Marketing Manager and finally Vice President of Marketing. Prior to that, he worked in management and ERP consulting after receiving an MBA from the University of Denver Daniels College of Business and a BA in Economics from Pepperdine University. He also serves on the Board of Directors of the Open Source Hardware Association (OSHWA).

“This company is changing the world,” Kenny said. “Our team is ready to continue scaling up, serving users, engaging the community, and exploring the frontier of Free Software, Libre Innovation, and Open Source Hardware.”

“In 2017 we plan to further prove that manufacturing can not only be achieved but flourish with Free Software, Libre Innovation, and Open Source Hardware,” Abadie said. “We will further integrate our manufacturing and supply chain operations into a world-class Free Software Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) through collaboration with the Odoo Community Association (OCA).”

The MOARstruder

In other news, LulzBot is introducing some new hardware. The open source company is known for their wide variety of extruders and toolheads, and the newest addition to the collection is the LulzBot TAZ MOARstruder Tool Head, a high-output tool head that features an extra-long heater block, dual print cooling fans, and a 1.2 mm diameter nozzle. Like LulzBot’s other extruders, the MOARstruder hardware is compatible with third-party filaments and can be easily mounted on the modular tool head carriage with a single screw and a plug for a fast upgrade.

“The LulzBot TAZ MOARstruder Tool Head enables high speed and high strength 3D prints, with the robustness and reliability that users expect from the LulzBot platform,” Kenny said. “This tool head is ideal for prototyping in labs, offices, classrooms, libraries, and workshops.”

The MOARstruder is capable of printing 100 grams (0.22 lbs.) of material per hour, with layers of 0.3 mm to 1.2 mm thick, and quickprint profiles will be available in Cura LulzBot Edition. Like everything else LulzBot offers, the extruder is completely open source, and the files can be found here. It will be available in the first quarter of 2017. Check out the MOARstruder in action below:

“While our company is known for hardware products like LulzBot 3D printers, Aleph Objects is both a Free Software and a Open Source Hardware company,” said Kenny. “We are investing to improve the user’s experience with our own software and to advance the large and growing 3D modeling/design/printing ecosystem that respects user freedom.”

Those aren’t the only partnerships Aleph Objects announced today. The company has a pending partnership with US electronics retailer Fry’s Electronics, which has 34 retail locations plus a large online store.

“Fry’s is known for offering its customers a wide variety of leading-edge tech products for home and office,” said Fry’s spokesman Manuel Valerio. “Fry’s is thrilled to add another such product line by carrying the LulzBot family of products in all our Stores and at Frys.com. We’re confident our customers will also be excited by this new offering.”

The news comes shortly after the announcement of a partnership between Aleph Objects and filament manufacturers Polymaker and twoBEars, which will expand the materials available for LulzBot printers. According to Aleph, more partnerships are in the works as well, with more details to be announced in the first quarter of 2017.

This 300-hour print, printed with the MOARstruder, is on display at LulzBot’s CES booth.

2017 is starting off on a great note for Aleph Objects, which was named the fastest-growing company in Northern Colorado by BizWest and the second-fastest-growing company in the state by Inc. Magazine for the second year in a row. If you’re at CES, you can visit Aleph and LulzBot at their booth in the 3D Printing Marketplace, Sands Expo, Level 2, Halls A-D, Booth #42524.